OBJECTIVE:

• John 14:1-14

EXPLORE:

(These are different commentary notes that can be used to explain the context to our students. Feel free to use your own.)

Context / Background / History

Location 

The events of this scripture takes place in Jerusalem in the Upper Room on Mt. Zion. The Upper Room is also referred to as the Cenacle Room, which is Latin for “dining room”. Today, the Upper Room is above what is called King David’s Tomb (though this isn’t the actual burial tomb of King David) it is an active Jewish synagogue. 

This location became a hub and essentially the birthplace of the early Christian church. It’s also where Jesus appeared to his disciples after his resurrection.

• Jesus starts by telling the disciples to calm their troubled hearts. Let not your heart be troubled: The disciples had reason to be troubled. Jesus had just told them that one of them was a traitor, that all of them would deny Him, and that He would leave them that night. All of this would legitimately trouble the disciples.
  • Jesus never wanted us to have life without trouble, but He promised that we could have an untroubled heart even in a troubled life.
  • Jesus wasn’t telling them to not have feelings about the situation they were in. Instead, he is redirecting them to trust in him when trouble comes.
  • This isn’t the only time Jesus took the approach of redirecting the disciples attention from troubles that surrounded them. In Matthew 14:24-31, Jesus comes to the disciples, by way of foot, while they are in the middle of a horrible storm on the Sea of Galilee. The first thing Jesus tells the disciples is “Don’t be afraid” and “Take courage. I am here!”. Even in the face of a real storm Jesus just wanted the disciples to focus on him.
• I will come and get you, so that you will always be with me where I am: The entire focus of heaven is being united with Jesus. Heaven is heaven not because of streets of gold, or pearly gates, or even the presence of angels. Heaven is heaven because Jesus is there.
• We have no idea where you are going, so how can we know the way?: Thomas should be praised for honestly and clearly explaining his confusion. He thought Jesus was simply going to another place, as if it were another city.
• I am the way, the truth, and the life: Jesus didn’t say that He would show us a way; He said that He is the way. He didn’t promise to teach us the truth; He said that He is the truth. Jesus didn’t offer us the secrets to life; He said that He is the life.
  • I’m wandering about; I don’t know where I’m going. Jesus is the way.
  • I’m confused; I don’t know what to think. Jesus is the truth.
  • I’m dead inside and don’t know if I can go on. Jesus is the life.

STUDENT RESOURCES

What did Jesus mean when He said, "I am the way, the truth, and the life" (John 14:6)? - Got Questions Ministries

SMALL GROUP QUESTIONS: 

Scripture (S)

• Read together! Encourage students to highlight or make note of anything that stands out to them. 

Observation (O)

• Why do you think Jesus emphasised to the disciples that they need to be focused on Him? 
• Knowing what happens later in John, why do you think the disciples still didn’t stay near to Jesus even though he says in verse 12, “I tell you the truth, anyone who believes in me will do the same works I have done, and even greater works, because I am going to be with the Father.'?

Application (A)

• How often do you find yourself truly going to Jesus when you don’t know where to go, you don’t know what to believe, or you think you are at the end of the road and there is nowhere to turn? 
• In what ways are you turning to Jesus so you can focus on him, or in what areas can you do something differently so you can focus on Him better? 

Prayer (P)

• Pray for a calm in the midst of the chaos of life so we can focus on Jesus who is the way, the truth, and the life.
• Pray for a strengthening in our prayer life, reading of our word, and personal relationship with Jesus so that when the storm comes we don’t get knocked off the tracks.